Emerson College UnCommon Corner

Brooke Annibale
2025-08-15 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Dan DeCristofaro

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Not confined by any one genre, Brooke Annibale’s expressive and beautifully thoughtful songwriting creates a dreamy, dark, and enticing sonic landscape. Her songs have been placed on many TV shows including Grey’s Anatomy, Pretty Little Liars, and One Tree Hill. Brooke has recently performed on SiriusXM The Coffee House, AudioTree Live, Paste and more. ​Brooke’s new album Better By Now is out now.

@brookeannibale

@brookeannibale

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@brookeannibale

Emily Nawrocki
2025-08-15 16:00 - 18:00
Emily Nawrocki

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Emily Nawrocki is proving to be a rising star in the pop-soul world, blending powerhouse vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and undeniable stage presence. The Boston, MA native has been making waves with her debut single, Blue Eyed Baby, which earned her two nominations at the 2025 International Portuguese Music Awards (IPMAs)—one for Best Pop Song and another for the People’s Choice Award.

​Her debut album, Evolving, produced by multi Grammy-nominated John Mailloux at Bongo Beach Productions has been praised for its fusion of pop, soul, and Motown influences. Wavy Magazine describes it as “a journey of self-discovery and artistry, blending rhythmic energy with lyrical introspection.” Nawrocki worked alongside Grammy-level musicians—who have played with legends like Michael Bublé and Jackson Browne—to craft an album that’s both polished and deeply personal.

As double graduate of Berklee College of Music with a master’s in Songwriting, Nawrocki’s music draws inspiration from Amy Winehouse, Carole King, and James Brown, fusing vintage soul with modern pop hooks. The Herald News praised Blue Eyed Baby for its “infectious energy and playful charm.”

Her album release show at The Narrows Center for the Arts was a full-house, sold-out success, proving that her music resonates deeply with audiences. Wavy Magazine notes, “Live performances are where Nawrocki’s passion shines brightest, creating an energy that’s both spontaneous and electric.”

With an ever-growing fanbase, Emily Nawrocki is just getting started—and the world is taking notice.

@emily.nawrocki

@emilynawrockimusic

https://www.emilynawrockimusic.com

Catherine Bent’s World Jazz Trio
2025-08-15 19:00 - 21:00
Catherine Bent’s World Jazz Trio

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Local multi-style cellist Catherine Bent will return to the UnCommon Corner with her trio.

Catherine Bent, an alumna of Cirque du Soleil, has performed and recorded with Joe Jackson, Lee Konitz, Donna Summer, and many others. She is regarded in Brazil as the leading cellist in choro.

Choro (pronounced “shoh-roh”) is an instrumental music that has its origins in late 1800s Rio de Janeiro. It’s been likened to New Orleans jazz, and shares that tradition’s improvisation, soulfulness, and often irrepressible joyfulness.

@CatherineBentMusic

@CatherineBentMusic

https://catherinebent.com

Puppet Showplace presents “The Good News Gus Show” by Harry LaCoste
2025-08-16 12:00 - 13:00
Puppet Showplace presents “The Good News Gus Show” by Harry LaCoste

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

This summer, Puppet Showplace Theater is bringing puppetry to Emerson College’s UnCommon Stage in the Boston Common for free outdoor performances.

Join puppeteer, ukulele rockstar, and all around funny guy Harry LaCoste for his family-friendly variety show! Along with his fuzzy puppet pals, Harry will sing songs you know, tell jokes you might not, and charm you with his interactive storytelling. For three years Harry has entertained our youngest audiences on Tuesday mornings at Puppet Playtime, and now we’re bringing him to UnCommon Corner for an all-ages show that’s great for big and little kids alike! Audience members have said, “Harry is so great! Out of all our weekly activities this is by far the best one!” and “We are still talking about it!” Get ready to wiggle, giggle, and jam with Harry and his sunshine-spreading sidekick Good News Gus!

All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 2 – 7Hand puppets, live music, and moreLength: 45 minutesLanguage: EnglishFrom Waltham!

@puppetshowplace

@puppetshowplacetheater

www.puppetshowplace.org

Benjamin Barreiro
2025-08-16 13:00 - 15:00
Benjamin Barreiro

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Benjamin Barreiro is a Uruguayan saxophonist, composer, arranger, and music producer with a solid and versatile career that spans continents, genres, andgenerations. His sound blends contemporary jazz and Afro-Latin American roots with a sensitivity shaped by improvisation, collaboration, and cultural exchange.

Trained at prestigious institutions such as the Conservatorio Superior de MúsicaManuel de Falla (Buenos Aires), Escuela de Música Contemporánea (BerkleeInternational Network), and Berklee Online, he has continued his artistic growth through workshops and masterclasses with leading figures like George Garzone, Joe Mulholland, and Mike Tucker, including his participation in the Silkroad Global Musicians Workshop.

As a performer, he has shared the stage with renowned artists including FitoPáez, Rubén Rada, Ed Motta, Hugo Fattoruso, and Charly García, and has taken part in major festivals such as Viña del Mar (Chile), Buenos Aires International Jazz Festival, Jazz a la Calle, and the Punta del Este Jazz Festival. His versatility has led him to perform with leading orchestras and big bands in Uruguay and Argentina, as well as to tour internationally throughout Latin America and Europe.

Winner of the Golden and Silver Gaviota Awards at Viña del Mar, and a multiplenominee at Uruguay’s Graffiti Awards, Benjamin is also the founder and CEO ofMahoma Records, a label through which he promotes both his own projects andcollaborations. Currently, he works as a session musician, orchestral arranger, andeducator, while continuing an artistic journey that expands the boundaries of jazz toward new sonic landscapes.

Iris & Olivia
2025-08-16 16:00 - 18:00
Iris & Olivia

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Experience an enchanting blend of Afro-Latin rhythms, classical guitar, and the soulful voice of the Cuban Tres in every performance. Presented by C&BPRODUCTIONS under the musical direction of Iris, a Cuban multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and composer, this project celebrates the passion of classical guitar repertoire intertwined with Afro-Latin grooves and the storytelling spirit of folk traditions. Iris on guitar, joined by the extraordinary Olivia Soler on Tres, crafts a heartfelt journey through Latin music, where tradition meets innovation.

Tolieth
2025-08-16 19:00 - 21:00
Tolieth is a contemporary soul singer fusing elements of reggae, Afrobeats, and pop into an upbeat live performance. Good vibes and smooth grooves are guaranteed with Tolieth on the mic.

The Blue Island Project
2025-08-17 12:00 - 14:00, 2025-08-23 13:00 - 15:00
The Blue Island Project is an exciting quartet formed in Boston in 2019 by the talented Cuban Pianist, Singer, and Composer Anibal Cruz.

The band’s performances are always a treat for audiences who appreciate music that is both vibrant and soulful. The repertoire is as diverse as its members, and takes you on a journey of Anibal’s influences from classical music training back in Cuba to jazz and blues at Berklee, making his sound in this project a unique mix of Afro-cuban and Brazilian rhythms, Gospel, and Jazz. Anibal is in the process of creating the first album for Blue Island, which will feature amazing guest artists from all over the world.

https://claveandbluesproductions.com/theblueislandproject

Mariaé Muzik
2025-08-17 15:00 - 16:00
Mariaé Muzik

Mariaé Broome, from Cleveland Ohio is a 20-year-old sophisticated vocal virtuoso. As a child, she sang in her family’s church, mesmerizing audiences with her smooth voice and flawless delivery. With time and dedication, Mariaé’s talent has grown, earning her various accolades and opportunities along the way. She was a two-time member of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Honors Choir and participated in the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Choir. In 2022, Mariae was afforded the opportunity to attend the distinguished Interlochen Center for the Arts Camp where she earned a fine arts award and a full scholarship to the Academy. In 2023, Mariae was recognized as a finalist and gold winner by the National Young Arts Foundation. She was a candidate for the US Presidential Scholars program. Upon graduation from Interlochen she was accepted to the world-renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts where she continues to hone her craft and studies jazz theory and modern American music

@mariaemuzik

Yma Arrington
2025-08-17 16:00 - 17:00
Dan DeCristofaro

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Yma is a native Bostonian who has performed for decades in multiple choirs and groups from churches to colleges. Currently, she sings in various bands as a lead and/or backup singer throughout New England. Yma has a preference for jazz but can sing anything from Bach to Blues. Never2Late is Ymas duo that performs R&B and jazz standards. Alongside her is local talent Harry Thompson.

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Mkeka
2025-08-19 18:00 - 20:00
Mkeka is a melding of the minds of saxophonist Joseph Borsellino III, bassist Tony Irons, pianist Jesse Taitt, drummer Tyson Jackson, and percussionist Brandon Mayes, each highly acclaimed composers, educators, and community leaders.

The mkeka is a tablecloth used in Kwanzaa celebrations, representing foundation, history, and tradition– the idea that today is built on yesterday. Mkeka captivates with effects-laden textures and intricate grooves, weaving sonic tapestries from the vibrant fabrics of African diasporic music.

UnCommon Corner Weather Statement
2025-08-20 00:00 - 23:59
UnCommon Corner Weather Statement

Due to the rainy conditions, the UnCommon Corner will be closed today: Wednesday, August 20.

The Water Street Wranglers
2025-08-20 16:00 - 18:00
The Water Street Wranglers

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Embark on a musical journey with the Water Street Wranglers, a Boston-based bluegrass/Americana band. Known for their blend of original and traditional tunes, join us for mesmerizing live performances that capture the essence of good old-fashioned vibes mixed with a modern touch.

@waterstreetwranglers

@TheWaterStreetWranglers

www.thewaterstreetwranglers.com

Jill McCracken
2025-08-20 18:00 - 20:00
Jill McCracken (they/she) is a queer singer/songwriter making emotionally raw retro soul music. Heartfelt passion and vocal power remain front and center whether it’s a boisterous full band performance or an intimate solo set. McCracken’s influence has resonated with their home city of Boston, earning consistent Boston Music Award nominations over the past five years (Singer/Songwriter, Vocalist of the Year), clinching a New England Music Award (Soul/R&B act of the year), and being regarded as “a force to reckon with in the Boston Music Community” (Allston Pudding).

https://instagram.com/jillmccracken

https://facebook.com/jillmccrackenmusic

BAMS Fest presents S.O.U.L.stice featuring DJ Cha & SeeFour
2025-08-21 16:00 - 20:00
BAMS Fest presents S.O.U.L.stice featuring DJ Cha & SeeFour

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Every Thursday, join Toki Wright and BAMS Fest at UnCommon for the S.O.U.L.stice series. This week’s performance will feature DJ Cha & SeeFour.

Off the Coast
2025-08-22 13:00 - 15:00
Off the Coast is a band from Easton, MA that writes and plays pop punk, indie and alternative rock. Brought together as Urban Lunchmeat in 2016, the band plays at local music venues, events and bars around the Boston Area, Cape Cod, and RI. The band composes and records their own unique high-energy music and released their debut single “Kerosene” which was nominated for Song of the Year by the New England Music Awards followed by their 2024 debut EP “A Million Reflections.”

Zion Rodman
2025-08-22 16:00 - 18:00
Zion Rodman

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Zion Rodman is a multi-instrumental singer-songwriter. He grew up in Cape Cod where he played around since the age of 15 and eventually received a B.A. in music from the University of Massachusetts in Boston.

In 2017, Zion teamed up with producer Alex Katz and released his debut full-length record You’re Invited. The folk-rock album received praise and local media attention following its anticipated release. Crossfader Magazine wrote that in an era of “lo-fi bedroom projects, it’s refreshing to hear a young creative voice this professionally produced, fully realized, and cohesively structured around a distinct personality and energy.”

Less than a year later, Zion released an EP titled “Did Not Wake up Today” on January 20th, 2018. This project features heavier topics and harder rock than his debut album. Even before its release, the title track was recognized by AFROPUNK: “Rodman turns up the volume of his melodic indie pop, with his stunning voice just barely masking his anger beneath the hook.”

His most recent album “Whatever Happens” was recorded in Chicago and released in 2020. Zion currently lives in Boston with his fiancé and their cats. Check the calendar for upcoming shows, or catch the full band every Fourth Friday at Ford Tavern or at the Melodies On Tap open mic every First Thursday at Medford Brewing.

Pamela Means
2025-08-22 18:00 - 19:00
Dan DeCristofaro

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

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Chris Walton
2025-08-22 19:00 - 21:00

Puppet Showplace presents “Magnificent Monster Circus” by CactusHead Puppets
2025-08-23 12:00 - 13:00
Puppet Showplace presents “Magnificent Monster Circus” by CactusHead Puppets

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

This summer, Puppet Showplace Theater is bringing puppetry to Emerson College’s UnCommon Stage in the Boston Common for free outdoor performances.

Come one, come all, to a circus like no other! Encounter magnificent creatures from the wilds ofyour imagination as their quirky human caretaker tries to teach them new tricks. Kids can lend ahand to Eustace the Unicycling Unimonster, make friends with a Fiery Fanged Worm, cheer forAgnes the many-legged Acropod, and more! This colorful, silly, multi-sensory show is a perfectmatch for our youngest audiences.All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 3-7Mixed puppetry styles, including tabletop and direct manipulation.

Length: 45 minutesLanguage: EnglishFrom Western Mass!

All ages welcome, especially enjoyed by ages 3-7Object puppetry, live actors, and original musicLength: 45 minutesLanguage: EnglishFrom Greater Boston!

@puppetshowplace

@puppetshowplacetheater

www.puppetshowplace.org

Manolo Mairena
2025-08-23 16:00 - 18:00
Dan DeCristofaro

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Manolo Mairena is a Costa Rican artist based in Boston. His captivating music and dynamic stage presence have garnered him an international following. Mairena has released three original albums: “Mi Oportunidad” in 2008, “De Todo Un Poco” in 2018, and his latest, “Esto es lo que Hay,” in November 2023.

His music passionately reflects his love for traditions and culture, defining his career with exceptional performances that resonate profoundly with audiences. Drawing on a rich tapestry of influences from Latin America and inspired by legendary soneros such as Ismael Cortijo and Ismael Rivera, Mairena’s style is both diverse and distinct. His performances are consistently praised by fans and industry professionals for their energy and emotional impact.

Throughout his career, Mairena has collaborated with a wide array of talented artists, including Chucho Valdez, Gonzalo Grau & La Clave Secreta, and Gonzalo Rubalcaba. He has toured globally and participated in notable projects like the Latin Grammy-nominated “Frutero Moderno,” “La pasión segun San Mateo,” and a tribute to the late Tito Rodriguez, among others. These collaborations have further solidified his reputation as a versatile and passionate musician.

@mairena_music

@manolo.mairena.2025

Dwayne Haggins
2025-08-23 19:00 - 21:00
Dwayne Haggins

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

He’s been described as “the love child of Otis Redding and Doc Watson.” “The John Legend of rockabilly.” And recently, “a ‘what-took-you-so-long’ fusion of Elvis and Marvin Gaye.” But he is Dwayne Haggins, and his voice is his own. Whether on the stage of a metropolitan concert hall or the makeshift bandstand of a neighborhood dive, you will find him exploring uncharted musical territories, listening for new ways to stir his influences into this night’s expression of his unique sound – strangely familiar, naturally mysterious, unmistakably his own.

Notably, Haggins has shared the stage with acts such as Joe Bonamassa, Keb Mo, Jimmy Vivino, Chris Lane, Suzanne Santo, and Fitz and the Tantrums. Haggins was signed in November of 2021 and his Verdict debut LP was released in June of 2022 titled “Call Me Boston”.

@hagginsmusic

@hagginsmusic

www.dwaynehaggins.com

Steph Davis
2025-08-24 16:00 - 18:00
Steph Davis is a marimbist and cultural activist. Their music engages traditions, epistemologies, and aesthetics from the African diaspora as means for uncovering truthful historiographies, finding creative self-actualization, and reaching for collective liberation. Hailed by The Washington Post as a “crisp, controlled” performer who “is engaged in deep explorations of acoustic and historical resonance,” Steph is a marimba soloist and chamber musician touring throughout the United States. Integrating Black and Western European classical music, traditional African American spirituals, and Ghanaian gyil songs, their performances explore the cultural and political landscape of the African diaspora. Through their arrangements and commissions, Steph has contributed over 20 works by Black composers to the marimba’s solo and chamber repertoire, in addition to premiering dozens of contemporary works for marimba and vibraphone. Highlights of their ’24-‘25 season includes debuts with The Celebrity Series of Boston and Ashmont Hill Chamber Music, music and dance collaborations with Jenny Oliver (choreographer), and a performance-installation with Dzidzor (spoken word) at the Goethe-Institut Boston. Steph proudly endorses Marimba One instruments and mallets as a Marimba One Premier Artist.Steph is a teaching artist with Castle of our Skins and Instructor of music theory at the Boston Conservatory. Steph has authored and co-authored several culturally-responsive K-college curricula around Black classical music, published by Castle of our Skins. Steph has presented performances, masterclasses, and lecture-recitals at the University of Central Florida, University of Massachusetts Amherst, the Center of Mallet Percussion Research at Kutztown University, and the Network for Diversity in Concert Percussion.Steph received their Master of Music in marimba performance from Boston Conservatory at Berklee, where they studied with Nancy Zeltsman. They also hold a Bachelor of Music in percussion performance from the Conservatory. They have been awarded residencies at the Goethe-Institut Boston, Avaloch Farm Music Institute, and Boston Center for the Arts.Steph resides on unceded land of the Neponset band of the Massachusett tribe, bordertown Boston, MA.

Hannah Bossange
2025-08-25 13:00 - 15:00
Hannah Bossange (any pronouns) is a performer, writer, and musician currently based in Boston. He has been writing music and studying classical singing since he was 11 years old. She’s currently working with folk and rock, but give her a few years and it will be nothing but funk. Follow along for all their projects and releases @hann_.b on Instagram.

Sam Spear
2025-08-26 13:00 - 15:00
The Sam Spear Quinet delivers hard-hitting bop, soulful swing, and blistering ballads. Composed of two saxes, piano, bass, and drums, the group performs an eclectic mix of original tunes and cleverly crafted arrangements of jazz standards.

https://samspearmusic.com

Sam Spear Music (Facebook), @sam_spear_music (Instagram)

Gregory Groover JR
2025-08-26 16:00 - 18:00
Dan DeCristofaro

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Raised with devotion for music, Gregory George Groover Jr is a twenty-nine year old tenor saxophonist and educator from Roxbury, Massachusetts. His love and pursuit of music directed him to the Boston Arts Academy where he graduated in 2011 as both the Elma Lewis Graduate with distinction and the Louis Armstrong Jazz award. His effort and dedication to music led him to earn a full tuition scholarship to Berklee College of Music where he received both his Bachelors and Masters in Music Performance Studies through the Global Jazz Institute, headed by world-renowned artistic director, pianist, and UNESCO Artist for Peace Danilo Perez.

As a performer, Gregory has had the honor to share the stage with prestigious musicians such as Philip Bailey (Earth, Wind, and Fire), Patrice Rushen, Terri Lyne Carrington, Danilo Perez, John Patitucci, Brian Blade, and Esperanza Spalding. As a bandleader and a sideman, he has performed in music festivals in the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Africa.

As an educator, Gregory has served as the co-chair of music at his alma mater, the Boston Arts Academy where he provided instruction in Jazz studies to the next generation of artists and scholars. Gregory currently serves as the Assistant Chair of Ensemble at the world renowned, Berklee College of Music. In addition to teaching, Gregory continues to perform regularly with his working bands and is celebrating the release of his second album: the Negro Spiritual Songbook Volume II – “The Message”.

@gregorygrooverjr

https://www.gregorygrooverjr.com

Pop Princess Night with The Femmes
2025-08-26 18:00 - 20:00
Chappell, Britney, Sabrina, Taylor… enjoy the songs of today’s iconic performers with The Femmes, an all female and non-binary identifying band whose high octane and super fun performances have made them staples at UnCommon. What better way to return to school and kick off the year?

The Femmes are an all-woman and non-binary band specializing in songs by female and non-binary artists. When you’re at a Femmes show, you’re at a high energy concert experience. Epic sing alongs, expertly crafted harmonies, and musicians who absolutely LOVE to interact with the audience, the Femmes are Boston’s go-to women’s party band!

The Femmes have been booked solid since their sold-out debut showcase at Club Cafe in February 2023. Finding quick success in the MA market and all across New England, The Femmes have become one of Boston’s top bands, performing for the Human Rights Campaign, Boston Pride, Martha’s Vineyard Pride, Harley Davidson’s Women’s Rider Day, and have been featured on CBS News and the Boston Globe.

Social Media: @thefemmesband

Website: thefemmesband.com

Dan DeCristofaro
2025-08-27 13:00 - 15:00
Dan DeCristofaro

UnCommon Corner, Boylston St &, Tremont St, Boston, MA 02116

Dan DeCristofaro is a soulful singer, songwriter, producer and arranger based in Massachusetts. He is a founding member of Blue Light Bandits, an award winning, 4-piece independent groove rock band from Worcester, MA that has amassed over 3 million streams on Spotify over the course of 3 full length albums, 2 EP’s, and an array of singles. In 2022 he formed quiet thrill, a singer / songwriter super duo along with long time friend and collaborator Joel Ansett and Dan DeCristofaro. They released their debut self-titled album in July ‘22 and are currently on a nationwide house tour, directly engaging with their fans in an intimate setting. Whether he is performing with a band or as a solo artist, Dan has been a staple of the New England music scene for 10 years.

Fabiola Méndez Trio
2025-08-27 16:00 - 18:00
Fabiola Méndez is a Puerto Rican cuatro player, singer, educator, and Emmy-nominated composer that has taken part in a musical movement, crossing over the lines of genres such as Folk, Afro-Caribbean & Jazz. Recognized as the Latin Artist of the Year 2023 by the Boston Music Awards, her artistic vision and original music focus on the exploration of culture, ancestry, and identity, inviting the listener to embrace how the power of music and storytelling can unify us. After becoming the first graduate from Berklee College of Music to play the Puerto Rican cuatro as a principal instrument (2018), Fabiola focuses on performing and composing, traveling with her trio to national and international festivals. She has received numerous awards, including the Quincy Jones Award, the Brother Thomas Fellowship, ASCAP Lucille and Jack Yellen Award 2022 and a Children’s and Family Emmy nomination for Outstanding Interactive Media in 2023.

https://www.fabiolamendezmusic.com

Facebook – www.facebook.com/FabiolaMendezMusic

IG – @fabiolamendezmusic

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